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Living with a Surplus Mindset vs. a Deficit Mindset

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Do You Lack Something?

In this short podcast, I want to talk to you about the topic of deficit versus surplus mindsets. And I asked you the question, do you lack something?

You know, most of us live our lives believing that we need something to feel significant, secure, or satisfied. So what we do is we look to other people to fulfill the need, the scarcity, or the deficit in our lives.

“I need you to do this.” “I need you to do that.”

In fact, we tend to blame other people for the things that we do because they have not given us what we want or what we believe we need.

We have these great desires. Some of these desires will be translated into demands that make other people responsible for our lives and choices.

The problem is that the scarcity mindset is imprisoning. You can never be free, blaming others for your choices. You can never be free looking for someone to fulfill what only God can achieve in your life.

It is time to consider not a deficit mindset but a surplus mindset.

My Cup Runs Over

I want you to think like David had said in Psalm 23 that “my cup runs over.” What he meant is that in Christ, you are never at lack. If you are in God, you have a surplus.

Scripture says that “the thief comes to steal and to kill and to destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” In Christ, you have a full life, a surplus life.

Paul says in Philippians, “My God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory.” Paul was able to be content with even the most challenging situations in life because he did not have a deficit mindset. He had a surplus mindset.

Gospel Grace is a Surplus Life

I want you to think about the gospel of God’s amazing grace. He has poured grace upon grace on you, and not just for your salvation, but your sanctification, and not just for your sanctification, but for your glorification.

Live with a Surplus Mindset

If you are in Christ, He wants to give you a life that is not lacking, not at a deficit, but an abundant surplus. We have more than we deserve. We have more than we need.

Keep that in mind as you move forward in life, in your relationships, and as you go throughout your day.

Live with a surplus mindset.

Blessings.

Question to Consider

  • What is it that you think you need to feel secure, significant, and satisfied? HINT: You can typically find that answer by filling in this statement, “If only I had ______________, then I would be (feel satisfied, secure, significant).

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